Generator vs Inverter Generator

[SC Maintenance]

It looks like HF has an 5000 watt inverter generator dual fuel for $799 on sale until 12/2. Is that a super sale price or a normal sale price?

I don't think that is too bad, but not a fire sale either.

Here is a WEN 8000 watt dual fuel with electric start from HD for $625 - https://www.homedepot.com/p/WEN-800...00X/330228185?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US

Tractor Supply has a Champion for the same price as HF. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...=Shopping-Google-Organic_Feed-Product-2353081

I would suggest reading as many reviews on any specific model as you can before buying one.

 

[TheLastWord]

Inverter type generators cost 2.5x -4x a regular generator.

More like 1.5x - 2x regular

And with more features - parallel, readouts of info, remote start, lower fuel consumption, etc. and QUIET if enclosed type.

 

[6.7 CTD]

I am very satisfied with mine. They make dual/tri fuel options as well. One option I did not want was the carbon monoxide monitoring. I read that they can be finicky with swirling winds, and I’m not dumb enough to run it in an enclosed space, so that may be relevant.

 

[Donald]

I don't think that is too bad, but not a fire sale either.

Here is a WEN 8000 watt dual fuel with electric start from HD for $625 - https://www.homedepot.com/p/WEN-800...00X/330228185?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US

Tractor Supply has a Champion for the same price as HF. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...=Shopping-Google-Organic_Feed-Product-2353081

I would suggest reading as many reviews on any specific model as you can before buying one.

The HF is inverter generator. The two you list are just generators.

 

[SC Maintenance]

The HF is inverter generator. The two you list are just generators.

My mistake - here is a very comparable WEN inverter generator dual fuel setup for $685 - which is actually even cheaper if you buy directly from WEN ($640). Again, not promoting one over the other - just pointing out its not an unheard of deal either way, although the both seem reasonably priced for what they are.

There very similar - 224CC self contained unit.

Note also - the 5000W or 4800W is surge - not run wattage. I took a quick look and the WEN is 4000W run and the HF 3900W. I have not peered all that far into either.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/WEN-Qui...r-Fuel-Shut-Off-CO-Watchdog-DF480iX/330762178

https://wenproducts.com/collections...-generator-with-fuel-shut-off-and-co-watchdog

 

[GrumpyCat]

Might consider looking at a battery backed PV system. If local codes permit you can do it yourself for 1/3rd to 1/2 the professional installation price.

But seriously consider this: skip the PV panels. For about $10,000 you can buy a hybrid inverter with battery management, one that will accept PV panels if you decide to go all the way. And a healthy sized LiFePO4 battery array. Charge this battery off the power grid, then use the battery when the power fails.

You can also add a genset to supplement the PV panels (which you may not have). The hybrid inverter will buffer between the genset and your usage so get a less expensive non-inverter with remote start. Let it run at full power charging the battery, then turn off until needed again.

And now you have read what I wrote and considered it, you may well be happier keeping things simply by buying an inverter genset.

 

[Ranger83]

I don't think that is too bad, but not a fire sale either.

Here is a WEN 8000 watt dual fuel with electric start from HD for $625 - https://www.homedepot.com/p/WEN-800...00X/330228185?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US

Tractor Supply has a Champion for the same price as HF. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...=Shopping-Google-Organic_Feed-Product-2353081

I would suggest reading as many reviews on any specific model as you can before buying one.

Those aren’t inverters. Apples & Oranges.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Those aren’t inverters. Apples & Oranges.

See post 65.

 

[Donald]

I see a few 20KW or 22KW used propane generators on Facebook Marketplace.

I sent Trane the model numbers for my heat pump asking for how many KW it draws.

 

[Al]

How about something like this and if the solar could not charge it then a small dual fuel generator or inverter generator to charge if.

View attachment 251954

Way over priced. I will never buy another Jackery.

 

[nomas]

I see a few 20KW or 22KW used propane generators on Facebook Marketplace.

I sent Trane the model numbers for my heat pump asking for how many KW it draws.

Everything you need is on the nameplates . Or better yet . have somebody with an ammeter come check the start up and running current .

 

[mk378]

Starting a non-inverter compressor is huge. The locked rotor amps on the nameplate is the initial surge.

 

[Donald]

Everything you need is on the nameplates . Or better yet . have somebody with an ammeter come check the start up and running current .

Well you have compressor and air handler and electric booster coils. While the compressor nameplate will list the electrical requirements, one still needs to consider the electrical requirements of the air handler and the electric booster coils.

 

[Donald]

Way over priced. I will never buy another Jackery.

Are there ones reasonably priced or better to buy an inverter/charger and some batteries.

 

[Donald]

Starting a non-inverter compressor is huge. The locked rotor amps on the nameplate is the initial surge.

The compressor is under Trans warranty until sometime in 2028. So not going to upgrade heat pump for a few more years at least.

 

[nomas]

Well you have compressor and air handler and electric booster coils. While the compressor nameplate will list the electrical requirements, one still needs to consider the electrical requirements of the air handler and the electric booster coils.

The blower motor should have it's own nameplate . Heater coils are listed someplace . The best bet is to use a clamp on ammeter and know for sure what you are dealing with .

 

[alarmguy]

I am very satisfied with mine. They make dual/tri fuel options as well. One option I did not want was the carbon monoxide monitoring. I read that they can be finicky with swirling winds, and I’m not dumb enough to run it in an enclosed space, so that may be relevant.

View attachment 252187

Nice, I see it on sale right now in Tractor Supply with free delivery for $799 as of Dec 2dn 2024
I only recently took interest in what an inverter vs generator is. We moved to the coast last year, wife was nuts about getting something, has since calmed down since for 1.5 years that we have now been here, the lights haven't even blinked on or off.
So anyway, being everyone is moving here from other places in the USA mostly from up north. First thing they start doing is getting generators (in case) After this forum and reading consumer reports, seems like inverters produce cleaner power and just recently I learned "sip" fuel at a much slower pace. I now know I dont need a dual fuel as my 120 gallon propane tank would run down pretty fast I think?

With that said they are more expensive but my thinking is if we got one I think at this point, seeing how rare it might be used, a smaller unit instead of 10,000 plus running watts that can plug into the breaker box. I think I would rather have an inverter that would be smaller but "cleaner" and run a couple extension cords. Would make more sense I think for our area with under ground utilities and something just to keep the necessities running in that once ever 10 or 15 year hurricane or big storm.
This seems like a really good deal. I agree with you, I do not want CO shut offs (if that is still possible to buy without. Great post. Im book marking incase we get one, I have to admit I am resisting only because I dont think I will ever get use of it... maybe

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...erm=4585375807245420&utm_content=All Products

 

[6.7 CTD]

Nice, I see it on sale right now in Tractor Supply with free delivery for $799 as of Dec 2dn 2024
I only recently took interest in what an inverter vs generator is. We moved to the coast last year, wife was nuts about getting something, has since calmed down since for 1.5 years that we have now been here, the lights haven't even blinked on or off.
So anyway, being everyone is moving here from other places in the USA mostly from up north. First thing they start doing is getting generators (in case) After this forum and reading consumer reports, seems like inverters produce cleaner power and just recently I learned "sip" fuel at a much slower pace. I now know I dont need a dual fuel as my 120 gallon propane tank would run down pretty fast I think?

With that said they are more expensive but my thinking is if we got one I think at this point, seeing how rare it might be used, a smaller unit instead of 10,000 plus running watts that can plug into the breaker box. I think I would rather have an inverter that would be smaller but "cleaner" and run a couple extension cords. Would make more sense I think for our area with under ground utilities and something just to keep the necessities running in that once ever 10 or 15 year hurricane or big storm.
This seems like a really good deal. I agree with you, I do not want CO shut offs (if that is still possible to buy without. Great post. Im book marking incase we get one, I have to admit I am resisting only because I dont think I will ever get use of it... maybe

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...erm=4585375807245420&utm_content=All Products

For that price, I would jump on it. I paid 1199 for it!

 

[Donald]

Nice, I see it on sale right now in Tractor Supply with free delivery for $799 as of Dec 2dn 2024
I only recently took interest in what an inverter vs generator is. We moved to the coast last year, wife was nuts about getting something, has since calmed down since for 1.5 years that we have now been here, the lights haven't even blinked on or off.
So anyway, being everyone is moving here from other places in the USA mostly from up north. First thing they start doing is getting generators (in case) After this forum and reading consumer reports, seems like inverters produce cleaner power and just recently I learned "sip" fuel at a much slower pace. I now know I dont need a dual fuel as my 120 gallon propane tank would run down pretty fast I think?

With that said they are more expensive but my thinking is if we got one I think at this point, seeing how rare it might be used, a smaller unit instead of 10,000 plus running watts that can plug into the breaker box. I think I would rather have an inverter that would be smaller but "cleaner" and run a couple extension cords. Would make more sense I think for our area with under ground utilities and something just to keep the necessities running in that once ever 10 or 15 year hurricane or big storm.
This seems like a really good deal. I agree with you, I do not want CO shut offs (if that is still possible to buy without. Great post. Im book marking incase we get one, I have to admit I am resisting only because I dont think I will ever get use of it... maybe

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...erm=4585375807245420&utm_content=All Products

I am not a fan of gas only generators for areas where there might be damage from a hurricane requiring a generator. Storing a lot of gasoline before a hurricane is a PIA and dangerous. If no damage then need to use it in your car. Finding open gas stations with gas after a powerful storm can be difficult.

Propane is a better fuel for a generator bought to use during a storm. Even if you have to buy a tank for propane. It does not go bad.

 

[millerbl00]

I have the Champion Invertor Generator. Great Unit!!